We all worry about our children at school and whether they're making friends once we've waved them goodbye at the gates. But one dad has shared the heartbreaking moment his son opened up about his friendships ...

We all worry about our children at school and whether they're making friends once we've waved them goodbye at the gates. But one dad has shared the heartbreaking moment his son opened up about his friendships ...

Bob Cornelius, from New Jersey, took to Facebook to share a wall display his 11–year–old autistic son, Christopher had created at school.

The display was a fact file sheet where the children had filled in information, such as the name of their teacher, their favourite sport and the name of some of their friends.

Bob took a photo of Christopher's sheet at a quick glance, but when he looked closer, he discovered something heartbreaking.

Under the 'some of my friends are' section, Bob spotted his son had filled in the blank with 'no one'.

Bob was keen to share the picture along with a post describing how it made him, as a dad, feel.

Never have five letters cut so deep.

Image: Facebook: Bob Cornelius

Bob explained that because Christopher in on the autistic spectrum, it was harder for him to make friends:

'I'm sure that if Christopher were typical (that's the word we use instead of 'normal') ... I would have not had this conversation with him either.'

He also said:

'There's no easy answer for this ... at the end of the day it comes down to compassion, empathy and understanding.'

What Bob really wanted to make clear to everyone in his post was that a little empathy can go a long way. Those five letters 'spoke volumes', and he wanted to ask two favours to everyone who read the post:

Share the post on their timeline, to increase awareness and empathy.
Speak to their children about including those with special needs and giving them the same school experience as everyone else.

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Back–to–school worries

Many parents, as well as those who have children with special needs, worry about their children making friends – especially at the moment when many kids are starting new schools.

All every parent wants is for their child to be happy and know they're not feeling alone or left out.

One parent commented on Bob's Facebook post, saying:

'Sadly, it's not just autistic children who struggle. My son is 10 and has never truly had a friend.

'I found myself devastated the other night, several nights before his 10th birthday, because I had no one to invite to his party. I sobbed.

Many mums have expressed their worries about their children making friends in the Coffeehouse:

'My DD is 5 and is very unhappy as she has no friends. She has told me she wishes she was someone else, and I am finding it very upsetting as I do not know what to do to help her.'

Other users were quick to offer some advice and support to those worrying about their kids:

'Have you spoken to her teachers about this? have you tried arranging a playdate with any of the mums that you may meet in the playground.'

'Do you speak to any of the mums at the school gate? Maybe talk to them about it see what their children say or arrange to meet a couple one weekend at a play den so you can see how she interacts with other children.'